Today I went to have my eyes tested, no big deal until he told me that I had the beginnings of cataracts. He then went on to tell me that steroids hasten their progression, Great! what's a girl to do? 
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That's a new one on me A case of you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't gillyj
I had heard that gillyj (oral steroids, not steroid inhalers, I believe, but may be wrong!) this damn illness, there are so many others things that go wrong with us because of it. Like you say, what do you do? Best wishes, Libby
I think you are right Libby. As far as I know, because you are inhaling the steroids, the are predominantly acting locally and only very small amounts likely to get into our blood stream, unlike oral steroids.
Kat
xxx
Well, I actually looked it up after posting my comment and apparently inhaled steroids can cause it too, great, something else to worry about! Wish I hadn't now! Libby
Life is a bitch, I'm afraid.
Lynne with no avatar ( I'm saying that until I can sort it again).
Lynne xx
Happened to me. Easy day - patient operations to remove cataracts and replace with artificial lenses. No pain. Now I can see better than I have for years.
I believe this was caused mainly by Seretide taken long term. Probably other steroid drugs contributed as I have taken a lot over the last few years, sometimes at quite high doses.
One of the benefits of my stay in hospital last year was to get a review of my drug intake by a steroid specialist. He immediately cut my drug list by half, as some have a ceiling above which there is no added benefit, but the side effects do continue to increase.
Anyone who has been on high doses of steroids should ask their GP for a referral to get their drug use reviewed. Or try asking your pharmacist.
Breathe easy all
johnwr
I had to have cataracts removed from both eyes,due to steroid use (puffers) mainly. Quick op.home again same day.One at a time done.Every thing so beautifully clear after, and no need for glasses any more.Woohoo!!
Love, & easy breathing to all, Wendells xx
Very interested to read this, as only yesterday I was told the results from a recent field vision test shows that my periferal vision is not up to scratch, they want me to do another field vision test to determine any deterioration. The consultant hinted that I may have to cease driving, which absolutely terrified me. Its all Ive got left that I do really well, I'm probably going to lose my beloved motorbike licence, 41 years and not a scratch. Does anyone know if use of seretide or spireva can cause such things. any info appreciated. I am devastated.
My hubby developed cataracts after starting to take his oral steroids and puffers, one done and then the NHS cut down on what they classed as unnecessary operations. Eye test before Christmas and was told his eyesight is now sub standard for driving (and I don't drive) so I jumped up and down and the GP referred him to another hospital and he is having it done on the 4 March and will be home same day. Oh how we long for the day.
I have to have an eye op, summat to do with the 'epi retinal membrane'. Extremely blurred vision in right eye, with all lines wavy - makes the Armco look like waves! Also flickering lights, very distracting. Not looking forward to having keyhole surgery, but waiting list is 3 months, so I have a while to get myself totally terror struck!
I've had the beginnings of cateracts for a few years, last eye test a year ago the optician said the cateracts would outlive me ! Great I thought but maybe just as well.
Lib x
Hi jillyj
Yes. the steroids do cause cataracts in some people , I asked the surgeon recently when he operated on my first one, (the second eye in May), brilliant result and no hassle so do not worry. I do understand some areas are cutting back a bit so anyone needing this should get their names on the list. As far as I know it is the oral steroids causing the problems not puffers.
Emmo
I have been told again this year that there is no money in the kitty and will have to wait until they deteriorate.
I had my first cataract op in January 2011, at which time they told me I had a small cataract in my other eye, which they would do nothing about at that time. The first op was a great success. The other eye quickly deteriorated until now it is completely useless. I am on steroids daily and oxygen 24/7. I saw the eye consultant about 9 months ago and he refused to operate as he said my breathing was so bad that it would be like layering my eye whilst riding a tsunami!,
Things have deteriorated so much now that my bad vision in my eye is affecting all the good work on the other. I persevered and my GP referred me again. This time the consultant could see the deleterious effect of the cataract and the effect on my already pretty poor quality of life. I said I would sign any form absolving him from a poor outcome and explained that if they allowed me to lie still on the operating trolley for 20 minutes or so, my breathing should return to a reasonable level to allow him to safely operate.
I am now due to have the op on Feb. 28 and cannot wait. Hopefully, if successful, I will regain good eyesight which will greatly improve my life. Certainly I have at times been on quite large doses of steroids, though at the moment just 5 mg daily.
I wish you all the best and hope you are able to get your cataracts sorted. Don't lose hope.
I too have "steroid induced Cataracts". I have had my right eye done 2 years ago and am about to have my left eye done. As others have said, it's painless and you end up watching life in HD. I was only on steroids a very short time, but it doesn't take long.
Thanks for all your comments, I feel a bit better about it now and we just have to keep on. xxx
my bro loved the impressionist style of seeing before he had the op on one eye - then he said he had the best of both when he would shut one eye to see properly or the other if he wanted to see something like a Monet painting (and Monet himself suffered with similar in later age and still painted the lilies 
maybe he saw what my brother did !
They will offer you oxygen during the short op (20 mins) if you request it. Obviously you can't have the nasal canula, but what they did for me was blow high pressure oxygen under the theatre gown and it was quite soothing. The results on your vision are brilliant. Long term Seretide did it for me.
Hi Gillyj
I too have had both cataracts removed(2012) and like others heard it likely to be caused by steroids which I rarely take except for the odd infection; luckily only a few times in 8 years but of course alsotake inhaled steroids.
Asked the optician who told me they are caused by different things but that mine were caused by pollution and bright sunlight(I ask you - when was that?????) but not steroids. I asked again when I was referred to the eye Consultant and he said exactly the same thing.
Just remember if you have the op. you wont be able to take a spirometry test for at least 3 months!!
m
Hi gilly, I was told I had the beginnings of cataracts a couple of years ago, then on one visit I was given a letter for the hospital, they too said that I needed to have the operation iminately, on my next visit to the hospital, upon examination I was asked why was I there, I said that I would not be if I did not have cataracts, he then said that there was no sign of such, well now
I was lost for words. Went back to the optitions to tell him what I was told at the hospital, he examined me rather hastily and said afterwards, you DO have cataracts and I won't call you in again just come when you feel it necessary. I tell you, whats a girl to do hahaha. Not saying it may be the same for you..... but my ex husband, who is still a friend, had the same thing happen to him...I am left wondering. Take care and good luck.
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